They still wore their microphones and had a camera placed on the car dashboard, so their conversation remained light, stilted. When he’d finally arrived at her apartment, Jonas, Danny and the two camera people jumped out of their van. Anxious to be alone with Valentina, he looked at Jonas. “How do you want to do this?”
“W-what?” Jonas stammered.
Colt ripped off his microphone and encouraged Valentina to do the same. “I’d like a moment with Val, preferably alone.”
“No, that’s not how we do things. The cameras are always—”
“Shut up, Danny,” Jonas muttered, a gleam in his eyes. “Let them have a few minutes.”
“But, we never—”
Jonas silenced Danny with a narrowed gaze. “Ten minutes, Colt. After that, we come in with the cameras.”
Whatever. Colt took a stunned Valentina by the elbow and ushered her into the building. “Is your spy cam on?”
“No. What are you—”
He cupped her cheeks and kissed her. Quick. Too quick for what he really had in mind, but that could wait for later. “We gave Jonas a celebrity appearance tonight, so let’s give him a short make out session. Between the two that should get him off your back for a while. What do you say?”
She grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Fake it if you need to,” he teased, and reached for the broach that held the spy cam, caressing her breast in the process.
Sighing as he grazed her nipple, she said, “When I’m with you, everything is the real deal.”
“Then let’s give him a little something for his ratings.” He pressed a button on the broach the way Valentina had showed him, then kissed her like he’d been aching to do all night. Moments later, both breathless, he gave her a final lingering kiss, then said, “I’ll see you in a few days.” With that, he left her at her apartment door, then headed out to his car where Jonas and the rest of his crew waited.
With the camera’s on him, he gave his take on the night, then climbed into his car. He followed the Pick Me van out onto the freeway, then backtracked to Valentina’s. He’d been bursting at the seams all night, not only literally, but figuratively. While he wanted to finish that kiss in the proper way, without the spy cam, there were a few things they needed to talk about. Things that might put a whole new spin on the show and their relationship.
Chapter 8
Well, that was interesting. Valentina sighed, her lips still tingling from Colt’s unexpected kiss. She noted the time on the clock, an upside down triangle filled with the colors of the rainbow, courtesy of the lesbian owners. Although she knew Colt would be back soon, she locked the door in case Danny or Jonas decided to pop by for a visit after Colt gave his quick “after date” interview.
Smiling, she made her way to the front window. Now conscience of what people could see, she closed the drapes, then headed for the kitchen.
Tonight had been one surprise after another, starting with Colt’s Corvette. She’d only seen him in his truck, or his souped up golf cart, but the Vette suited him, too. Fast, not too flashy. Fun, with a subtle hint of badass. He’d said he only drove the car in the city because parking his Ford was cumbersome. Yeah, right. He was a guy, and guys liked toys.
She pulled a couple of wine glasses from the cabinet, and set them on the counter. Dinner had been even more interesting. She’d nearly melted like a scoop of her favorite flavor of ice cream left out on a hot, balmy day. Colt had turned an uncomfortable situation into something fun. Asking about her likes and dislikes, they ended up playing twenty questions through most of the meal. Although they’d grown up in two totally different elements, he the country, she the city, they shared so much in common. Maybe having the cameras placing them on guard had been a good thing. Knowing they were being filmed had forced them to improvise and make the most of the situation and in the end had resulted in helping her learn more about Colt, and he her.
Damn, in another lifetime, they would have been great together.
Who said you can’t make this work?
Slamming the drawer closed, she gripped the wine server, and tried to shut that voice down—again. Yes, they had a lot in common. Plus, the sex was freaking hot. While she’d been totally honest with him at the restaurant, there were still all the other lies she’d been spinning.
She opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of wine. God, if Colt found out, he’d be totally pissed, and hurt. She wasn’t leading him on, not really, she’d been up front with what she’d wanted from him, but had a sneaky suspicion that he wanted more. That thought warmed her, comforted her, yet at the same time had her belly balling into a tangled knot. She wanted more, too. She wanted him, period. In her life, oh God, ‘til death do us part.
“Don’t go there,” she mumbled, because it could never happen. Even if she explained herself now, based on what an honest soul Colt seemed to be, she didn’t think he’d understand.
You could give it a try.
She could, but what if he’d become so angry he walked away from the show? People would lose their jobs. She’d lose her career opportunity and would be left with nothing. No Colt. No job. She didn’t even really have a place to call home anymore. All of her belongings were rat holed in her brother Dom’s basement, and when she had a break from the show, she stayed in her old bedroom at her parents’ bungalow. Pathetic.
Gloom and doom was not the Bonasera way, so she shoved those thoughts aside and brought the rest of the evening into play. She still couldn’t believe she’d met Shawna. The Shawna. Talk about a “wow” moment. Not that Reggie Zucker wasn’t a “wow” thing, either, but Shawna? The woman was a megastar, her concerts always sold out, her songs were constantly played on the radio, and yet Shawna was as down to earth as the next person. While a little star struck—okay, a lot—the thing she’d taken the most from the encounter, aside from a bunch of autographs, was another confirmation that Colt wasn’t Pick Me’s imposter. From the astonished and giddy look on Jonas’ face, and how he’d quickly rallied the cameras to focus on Reggie and Shawna, she’d gathered Jonas had nothing to do with the impromptu meeting. Knowing that fact, though, wasn’t nearly as fulfilling as what Colt had done at the end of their date.
Jonas probably had no clue, but Colt had sent him a subtle message tonight when he’d ripped his microphone off and demanded alone time with her. At first, she’d panicked. They hadn’t discussed doing any such thing, but she’d trusted Colt, and in the end she’d been rewarded with a kiss that held a promise of more to come. Oh and she was more than ready to come. Smiling, as visions of them naked on the bed flitted through her mind, she went to work uncorking the bottle. As the cork popped, so did a knock at her door.
Butterflies danced through her belly with anticipation. She set the wine bottle on the counter, smoothed her hand over her stomach, then along her hair. Although she knew Colt was likely on the other side of the door, she checked the peephole anyway, then gasped and ran back to the kitchen.
Oh my God, what the hell was Jonas doing here? Wine bottle and glasses quickly stowed into the fridge, those earlier butterflies had converted to a swarm of bees, needling and cramping her stomach with dread. She calmed herself as she approached the door, then had a thought. Dashing to the window, she opened the drapes, then drew in a deep breath. Colt stood on the street, just outside the parking garage. He waved his hand, and raised his cell phone. She drew in a deep breath, grabbed her cell phone and called him.
“He’s here,” she whispered.
“I know, I saw him turn around before I’d planned to and followed him. Are you okay?”
She jumped when Jonas knocked, no, pounded on the door. “Yeah, but call me in five minutes. I’ll pretend you’re my mom and get rid of him.”
“Done, just keep the drapes open.”
Pressing her hand to the window, she clicked her cell phone shut, then approached the door. “Who is it?”
“Look through the damn hole in the door.”
What an absolute
ass. Unlocking the deadbolt, she opened the door a few inches. “What do you want?” she asked, angling her head so she could see him through the small crack.
He pushed on the door, but she held it firm. “Let me in, I’m paying for you to stay here.”
“No you’re not, Derek is, and if you want to talk with me, set up a meeting at the studio.”
“Val, I’m in no mood for your bullshit, all I want is the broach you wore tonight.” With a grunt, he gave the door a shove and strolled right into the apartment.
Wanting to be where Colt could see her, she walked to the center of the living room while removing the ugly spy cam. “Here, hopefully this will help your ratings.”
She didn’t trust Jonas, and had never liked him, even before this season of Pick Me. He’d always given her the impression that he would sell his soul for fame, and would walk on anyone to make it to the top. With the way he’d threatened her with the spy cams and sex tape, she now wondered how far he would actually go to achieve his goals.
“You better hope it helps,” he snarled, and grabbed the spy cam.
“So you have what you want, now leave,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I could...” He strolled around the living room, and like Colt had a few nights ago, checked out the décor. “Interesting place, but all of this lesbo stuff will have to go.”
“What the hell are you talking about? The apartment is leased. I can’t remove any of the items. They don’t belong to me or the show.”
“So don’t remove them, just move them. I’m thinking of placing a camera right here.” He pointed to a spot on the mantle. “That would work. You could do a little something-something here.” He turned and pointed to the couch. “Oh yeah, the angle would be perfect.”
“Get out,” she uttered, her teeth clenched so tight her jaw ached. “Now.”
“Don’t get all prissy. Tell me, what’d the redneck do to you in the hallway? Did he feel you up, slip his hand up your—”
“Now,” she shouted.
“Okay,” he said and held up his hands. “But keep in mind I still have your little sex tape. You wouldn’t want me to accidentally leak that, now would you?”
Heat rose to her cheeks, and sweat broke across her brow and upper lip. “I told you I’d wear the spy cams, but I refuse to have a camera in my apartment. Besides, it’s never been done on the show before.”
“There’s a first time for everything,” he countered.
“But wouldn’t this need Derek’s approval?”
Jonas waved his hand. “Screw Derek. If the show tanks, he has others.” With a quickness she hadn’t expected, he crossed the room and gripped her shoulders. “But I don’t, and I’ll make sure you’re career is ruined if you don’t go along with me on this. I want a camera, on the mantle. I want you to bring these men back here, and I want something that will give the audience a reason to keep watching.”
“Get your hands off me.” She shrugged her arms and twisted her body until she freed herself from his disgusting touch. “I would rather lose my career than do this for you.”
“Really?” He smirked. “You’d throw away all of Derek’s promises, your career, your reputation? Think about what this season could do for you. For us. I could take you places, you know. Help you out down the line.”
“Leave. Now. Take your damn broach and get the hell out of my apartment. If you choose to use the tape, I’ll quit. I’ll give it all up. The show...everything. I’d rather find a new career, than allow myself to play your whore.”
His jaw ticked, his eyes narrowed. “I’ll ruin you.”
“And you’ll ruin yourself in the process.”
Something flickered in his eyes, not defeat, but maybe understanding. He’d tried to threaten her, and she’d countered it, meaning every word. She’d give up everything Derek had promised, because there was no way she’d stoop to the level Jonas had demanded.
Jonas left the apartment without another word, slamming the door in his wake. She quickly locked it, then leaned her back against the door. No camera would ever capture the intimacy she shared with Colt. She...cared too deeply. Although it might be a little late for honesty, the emotions he evoked ran strong, stronger than she’d imagined.
She jumped when a hard knock vibrated against her back. Checking the peephole, she sighed with relief, opened the door and fell into Colt’s arms. Burying her face into his chest, she gripped the front of his shirt and let herself relax against his solid comfort.
Pulling her close, Colt tried to rid himself of the tension that had been coiling his gut since he’d watched Jonas stalk into the apartment building, and focused on Valentina. “He’s gone,” he said, hoping to reassure her, and maybe himself. He’d hated standing in the street when he’d known damned well Jonas was inside Valentina’s apartment. He didn’t trust the director, and when the prick grabbed her, it took everything inside of him to remain still. The helplessness that had gripped him was something he didn’t, and wouldn’t experience again. The show wasn’t worth risking her safety.
Still stroking her back, he rested his chin on her head, and closed his eyes. “I swear to God that will never happen again. From now on, I’m staying here.”
She burrowed deep against his chest. “You can’t,” she said, her voice muffled against his shirt.
“I can, and I will.” Leaning back, he tipped her chin. “I don’t trust him. What if he...hurt you?”
“But he didn’t.”
“Are you that determined to do the show that you’d allow yourself to be threatened and manhandled? I’m worried he’s only going to get worse.” Valentina was an intelligent woman, and having grown up in Chicago, surrounded by a family of cops, he’d guarantee she had enough street smarts to know this.
She dropped her arms and turned toward the kitchen. “I’m worried, too. Do you remember Shepp, the host of the show? Well, right after I finished recording my dating diary, he told me to watch out for Jonas.” She shivered, then opened the fridge.
“Why? Has Jonas done this before?”
Setting an open bottle of wine and a couple of glasses on the counter, she said, “I didn’t have a chance to ask. Jonas interrupted us. When I tried to catch Shepp in the parking lot, he’d already left. I’ll see him in a few days and try to find out what he’d meant.”
“Can’t you call him?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to ask Danny for his cell phone number, or stop by Shepp’s hotel. It might only raise suspicions, or even worse, catch Jonas’ attention.”
“You have a point,” he said, and took the glass she offered. “I still don’t like it, or you being here by yourself.”
“This place has an alarm system, and I won’t meet with Jonas alone again. Not here or anywhere for that matter. You can’t watch me all the time, and besides, don’t you have a plane to catch in the morning?”
“Yes, damn it.” He set the glass on the counter and ran a hand through his hair. He had a contract negotiation for another of his clients that couldn’t wait.
She touched his arm. “Colt, “I’ll be fine.”
“Don’t you have a friend who can stay with you while I’m gone?”
“You’re the only real friend I have in Dallas,” she said with a wry smile. “But please don’t worry about me. I’ll throw some pepper spray in my purse if that will make you feel better.”
He rolled his eyes.
“Okay, so loan me the Magnum.”
Grinning, he took her wine glass from her hand and set it next to his, then tugged her hips. When she was flush to his body, he stroked her hair from her face. “You did blow a hole through the target, but you also took out a tree branch and kicked up a bunch of dirt, too.”
“The .22, then?” she asked and smoothed her hand on his chest.
“Not happening.”
“Well,” she said with a sigh, “It was worth a try.”
“No guns, but the pepper spray might be a nice addition. Just
don’t mistake it for hair spray.”
She chuckled. “That actually happened to a girl I knew from college. Maybe I’ll just kick Jonas where it counts if he tries anything.”
“That might get you kicked off the show.”
Her smile fell, and tears swam in her eyes.
“Hey,” he murmured.
“I’m sorry.” She pulled away and reached for her glass, her hand shaking as she took a sip. When she set the glass back down, she turned to him, her eyes searching his for a moment before she spoke. “While I was on the set doing the dating diary thing, I overheard some of the crew. If Pick Me’s ratings nosedive, the show will be cancelled.”
He honestly couldn’t believe the show had lasted this long. In his opinion, reality shows were plain stupid. There were so many of them anymore, he couldn’t keep track. Losing one more, like Pick Me, might actually do television a favor. “And that’s a bad thing?”
“Yes,” she said with more vehemence than he’d expected. “Think about all those people who work for the show. They’ll lose their jobs and I don’t want to end up being the reason they’re on the unemployment line. I won’t let Jonas and his intimidation tactics ruin everything.” Taking her wine, she hurried to the living room.
He stood in the kitchen, and drew in a deep breath. His feelings and respect for Valentina growing and compounding. She cared enough for people she didn’t even know to risk her well being, and her reputation. If Jonas leaked that security tape, she’d never find another teaching job, yet she was willing to risk it. For the money? Maybe, but at this point, he didn’t think so. He’d like to think he knew her well enough that this was more about justice. As if, in her own way, she was fighting for the crew members of Pick Me.
Wine glass in hand, he went into the living room and settled next to her on the sofa. “Did I mention my brother, Win, is a Texas Ranger?”
Widening her eyes, she laughed and choked on her wine.
“What’s so funny?”
“What’s so funny? Win Walker? Hello? Walker, Texas Ranger. You know the Chuck Norris TV show? I bet your brother has caught all kinds of crap for that.”
Pick Me (Reality TV Romance) Page 11